Social network X is carving out its messaging ambitions into a separate product. The company has launched a standalone beta of X Chat for iOS, distributing it to early testers via Apple’s TestFlight platform.
The initial beta — capped at 1,000 users — reached capacity within two hours of going live. Following the rapid uptake, xAI product designer Michael Boswell said the programme would soon expand to 5,000 testers.
“For the past few months, we’ve been quietly building a standalone X Chat app for iOS,” Boswell wrote, inviting users to test and provide feedback.
A shift in strategy
The standalone launch marks a notable pivot from owner Elon Musk’s long-stated ambition to turn X into an “everything app” — a single platform for messaging, payments, creator content and more.
Spinning messaging into its own app suggests a more modular approach. Whether that’s a tactical rethink or simply product experimentation remains unclear, but it’s a departure from the super-app narrative Musk has pushed since acquiring the company.
Security questions linger
X Chat replaces the platform’s existing direct messages system and is marketed as end-to-end encrypted. However, security researchers have previously cautioned that X’s implementation lacks the transparency and proven architecture of established encrypted apps such as Signal.
It’s not yet clear whether the standalone app addresses those criticisms. X has not detailed any new technical safeguards specific to the beta version.
Screenshots shared by testers show a minimal interface and a stylised “xChat” branding, hinting at a potential rebrand. The login screen reportedly features a starry background, and users describe the experience as smoother and more streamlined than messaging within the main X app.
Some features are missing in the current beta. Message requests are being rebuilt, according to Boswell. Verified badges and voice or video calling are also still in development.
The app carries the same 17+ age rating on Apple’s App Store as X itself. Chats will sync across the standalone app, the main X platform and the web-based chat.x.com client, which launched in December 2025.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
